Expected to bow at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, here’s another look at the new Mercedes E-Class coupe.

Wearing fairly light camouflage, this E-Class coupe prototype spied testing leaves very little to the imagination. It’s easier to see how the E-Class coupe will look like a baby S-Class coupe, more so than a larger version of the C-Class coupe. The headlights and tail lights are still fairly covered up, but the rest of the body has been exposed.

The new E-Class sedan was introduced earlier this year at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and most recently, the German automaker showed off the high-performance AMG E63 variants at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show.

Aimed to compete against the BMW 6 Series, the E-Class coupe also serves as a preview for the inevitable convertible model that will join the lineup at a later date. Like the four-door sedan, the coupe will ride on Mercedes-Benz’s latest modular rear architecture (MRA) that can be found on the C- and S-Class models. Expect the same powertrain options to be available for the coupe as the sedan, and a high-performance E63 coupe is a possibility.

The network will establish a standard charging system for the brands and help speed up charging times.

Using the Combined Charging System, all of the automakers’ battery electric vehicles will be able to charge at an initially planned 400 sites across Europe. The charging points, capable of power levels of up to 350 kW, will charge Battery Electric Vehicles faster than today’s most powerful charging points.

“There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions,”said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche, in a statement. Together, these two factors enable us to travel in an all-electrically powered car as in a conventional combustion engine vehicle.”

Volkswagen and its compatriots plan to start construction in 2017 and expect thousands of high-power charging points to dot Europe’s major roads by 2020.

“We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging”,said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI. “Reliable fast charging services are a key factor for drivers to choose an electric vehicle. With this cooperation, we want to boost a broader market adoption of e-mobility and speed up the shift towards emission-free driving.”

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/german-automakers-to-build-massive-european-charging-network.html/feed0more]]>Next-Gen Mercedes CLS Could Split into Two Modelshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/next-gen-mercedes-cls-could-split-into-two-models.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/next-gen-mercedes-cls-could-split-into-two-models.html#commentsMon, 28 Nov 2016 18:48:31 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=446411Next-Gen Mercedes CLS Could Split into Two ModelsMercedes-Benz is currently developing the next-generation CLS four-door coupe. more]]>

Mercedes-Benz is currently developing the next-generation CLS four-door coupe.

According to an Automotive News report, the CLS successor will arrive in 2018 and is expected to ride on the automaker’s Modular Rear Architecture (MRA). The platform currently underpins the new Mercedes E-Class sedan and will help make the new CLS lighter, longer and roomier. Expect the next-gen model to benefit from new technologies the new E-Class features, like semi-autonomous driving and a much more upscale interior.

The big news is, the next-gen CLS could result in Mercedes creating two four-door coupe models. The CLE nameplate is being tossed around as a possibility, as the more basic offering for the lineup. The CLS will become an AMG-branded model and move upmarket to better take on the new Porsche Panamera and its competitors.

Other rumors suggest the German automaker will axe the wagon, or shooting brake, variant from the lineup, which was never sold in the U.S.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/weekly-news-roundup-video-faster-bmws-grand-tour-and-no-more-diesels.html/feed0more]]>The Most Loved SUVs and Trucks in America for 2016http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-most-loved-suvs-and-trucks-in-america-2016.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-most-loved-suvs-and-trucks-in-america-2016.html#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 17:28:48 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=442393The Most Loved SUVs and Trucks in America for 2016The SUV and pickup truck markets are booming in the U.S. and some owners love their vehicles more than others. more]]>

The SUV and pickup truck markets are booming in the U.S. and some owners love their vehicles more than others.

Based on results from the New Vehicle Experience Study that surveyed 38,763 new vehicle buyers after the first 90 days of ownership, Strategic Vision’s Consumer Love Index (CLI) measures the amount of love owners experience with their new vehicle. Strategic Vision compiles the data from over 120 different aspects of the ownership experience, ranging from interior door handles to tail light design and performance. Each aspect is rated on a scale from “1 – I Hate It” to “7 – I Love It,” with “4 – Satisfactory” being at the middle of the scale.

Midsize Pickup – Toyota Tacoma

In the Standard (midsize) Pickup category, the Toyota Tacoma was most loved with a score of 353. The Japanese automaker recently revamped the pickup for the 2016 model year as it faces stiffer competition from its American counterparts.

Full-Size Pickup – Ford F-150

There’s a reason the Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in North American history: Their owners absolutely love them. With a score of 429, the Ford F-150 is the most loved full-size pickup.

Heavy Duty Pickup – Nissan Titan XD

It’s not the Ford Super Duty or the Ram 2500/3500 that is the most loved Heavy Duty Pickup. That honor goes to the Nissan Titan XD, which hit the market in 2015 as Nissan’s first heavy duty pickup. With a score of 462, something tells us the Titan XD will continue being America’s most loved Heavy Duty Pickup.

Entry SUV – Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

For decades, the Jeep brand has been synonymous with performance off-road SUVs. They’re also loved by their owners no matter what they’re being used for. Taking the Entry SUV category is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a score of 427.

Entry CUV – Subaru Crosstrek

Crossovers are coming in all shapes and sizes, but the Subaru Crosstrek is the most loved model in the U.S. Sporting a score of 459, the Crosstrek adds to Subaru’s list of five Most Loved Vehicle Awards.

Mid-Size SUV – Dodge Durango

Sales of the Dodge Durango have picked up in recent years and it seems there’s a good reason for it. According to the 2016 LCI, owners love their Durango SUVs, helping it earn a score of 419 and taking the title of most loved Mid-Size SUV.

Mid-Size CUV – Kia Sorento

In the Mid-Size CUV category, the Kia Sorento is most loved with a score of 424. Like other models on the list, the Sorento recently got updated with a redesign, helping keep it fresh in a highly competitive segment.

Full-Size Utility – Chevrolet Tahoe

Although the Full-Size Utility segment is giving way to three-row crossovers, there’s still a few models that are loved by their owners. The Chevrolet Tahoe takes the category with a score of 471.

Alternative Powertrain Utility – Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Driving a crossover, SUV or pickup truck doesn’t mean you can’t be green. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most loved Alternative Powertrain Utility vehicle, earning a score of 409.

Near-Luxury Utility – BMW X4

The BMW X4 is admittedly a strange model in the German automaker’s crowded crossover and SUV lineup, but its owners are happy it exists. With a score of 481, the BMW X4 is the most loved Near-Luxury Utility in the U.S., although it’s a bit unclear why BMW would be considered “near luxury.”

Luxury SUV – Land Rover Range Rover

There are very few SUVs in this world as iconic as the Land Rover Range Rover, with its signature boxy styling existing even today. With a score of 460, the Range Rover takes the Luxury SUV category in this year’s CLI.

Luxury CUV – Mercedes GLE-Class Coupe

It may have just arrived on the market, but owners are glad Mercedes-Benz has added the GLE-Class Coupe to its lineup. Designed to compete with the BMW X6, the GLE-Class Coupe took home the title of Most Loved Luxury CUV with a score of 546.

Minivan – Toyota Sienna

Yes, minivans still exist and believe it or not, some owners actually enjoy driving one around. They may be a dying breed thanks to less embarrassing crossovers, but the minivan still serves a purpose in today’s automotive world. With a score of 349, the Toyota Sienna is the most loved Minivan around, but it’s telling that it’s also the lowest-scoring vehicle to win a category. So even though one minivan had to be the most loved, there really isn’t a whole lot to love.

This is the first set of photos showing the new C-Class, which will now begin its slow reveal in spy photos. With the S-Class, Mercedes slowly revealed more and more every time the prototype was driven in public.

For now, we can see both the sedan and wagon version of the updated C-Class driving with the front bumper covered, though revisions to the grille, headlights, taillights and rear fascia are all expected.

Inside, more camouflage was used to cover the changes, though the photographers were able to spot a new infotainment touchpad which will be under the dial in the center console. A digital gauge cluster, lifted from the new S-Class, is also seen on the inside.

Under the hood, Mercedes’ new range of engines is expected to be found which use a single electric motor as the starter and to provide a slight performance boost. There will likely be a range of four- and six-cylinder engines available.

The C-Class update should arrive by 2019 and is likely to be revealed in late 2017 or early 2018.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/facelifted-2019-mercedes-c-class-spotted.html/feed1more]]>Giving Thanks to the Automakershttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/11/giving-thanks-to-the-automakers-in-2015.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/11/giving-thanks-to-the-automakers-in-2015.html#commentsThu, 24 Nov 2016 13:01:06 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=357868Giving Thanks to the AutomakersIt’s that time again. Time to give our thanks to all the automotive manufacturers for yet another wild and crazy year. Convertible Range Rovers, 8,200 rpm muscle cars and a further infestation of SUV coupes. Yup, this year has seen it all. We laughed, we cried, we sucked up all the dynamism, functiontainment and powerfficiency... more]]>

It’s that time again. Time to give our thanks to all the automotive manufacturers for yet another wild and crazy year.

Convertible Range Rovers, 8,200 rpm muscle cars and a further infestation of SUV coupes. Yup, this year has seen it all. We laughed, we cried, we sucked up all the dynamism, functiontainment and powerfficiency we can take.

But what really stood out? What grabbed our attention quicker than half price diecast models at a flea market? Let’s break down what each manufacturer brought to the table this year, making us more grateful than retirees eating a 4 pm turkey dinner.

A hearty thank you for proving what the world really needs – a quarter-million dollar SUV that can run upwards of 187 mph. Next up should be the half-million dollar pickup truck that runs 10s in the quarter mile.

Buick’s cars are *insert over used old person joke.* You know who likes to drive Buicks? *insert slight revision on above joke, ensuring punch line is still about old people* But seriously, the new Lacrosse looks great.

A big thanks for answering enthusiasts’ prayers the world over and putting a turbocharged engine into a Miata. Also, thanks for using a vehicle name that isn’t “500-something-or-other” in North America.

Thanks for separating the Genesis into a new luxury brand. If Notorious B.I.G. was still alive today we’re certain he’d change the line to “Super Nintendo, Hyundai Genesis, When I was dead broke, man I couldn’t picture this.”

Thank you for running with the marketing gold of using a hit song that happens to share its name with your latest vehicle model in all its ads. Now, could you talk to your Dodge cohorts across the hallway about Scatman John’s 1994 hit?

Thank you for introducing a new four-door MINI that isn’t called the four-door MINI because the four-door MINI name was already taken by the four-door MINI which isn’t the same as the new four-door MINI.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/11/giving-thanks-to-the-automakers-in-2015.html/feed4more]]>Dieselgate’s Next Victim Could be Mercedeshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/mercedes-might-follow-volkswagen-s-footsteps-in-the-us.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/mercedes-might-follow-volkswagen-s-footsteps-in-the-us.html#commentsWed, 23 Nov 2016 18:40:04 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=445855Dieselgate’s Next Victim Could be MercedesMercedes-Benz might be the next German automaker to stop offering diesel engines in the U.S. more]]>

Mercedes-Benz might be the next German automaker to stop offering diesel engines in the U.S.

Like BMW earlier this year, Mercedes is experiencing a delay in diesel certifications in the U.S. as a result of more rigorous testing procedures by the EPA following Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal. Although the automaker is currently working to get certification on a limited number of diesel models, it may not endure the process again in the future. According to Matthias Luehrs, vice president of sales and product management for Mercedes-Benz Cars, the German automaker is conducting market research on U.S. diesel demand to help guide its direction.

“We have to look at that and see whether it makes sense to offer diesels in the future,” he said during an interview at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show. “We have not come to a conclusion but we obviously always tend to develop cars and offer vehicles according to customers’ demands.”

He added that dropping diesel offerings in the U.S. altogether “is a theoretical option,” adding that demand for diesels in North America has been low “and is still lowering” for cars and crossovers. As for the certifications, it is currently waiting for, the company is confident that in most of the cases it will be approved. Its current priority is receiving EPA certification for the GLS350d, which uses a V6 diesel engine. Mercedes is also seeking certification for at least four diesel models in the U.S., including the GLS, GLC, GLE and C-Class sedan.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/mercedes-might-follow-volkswagen-s-footsteps-in-the-us.html/feed2more]]>The Most Loved Cars in America: 2016http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-most-loved-cars-in-america-2016.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-most-loved-cars-in-america-2016.html#commentsWed, 23 Nov 2016 16:55:18 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=442363The Most Loved Cars in America: 2016Automotive enthusiasts love their cars, but which cars are more loved than others? more]]>

Automotive enthusiasts love their cars, but which cars are more loved than others?

Strategic Vision has released its Customer Love Index (CLI) for 2016, which measures the amount of love that buyers feel toward their new vehicle. To calculate CLI, Strategic Vision looks at five measurements: Total Quality Impact, Total Value Index, Vehicle Emotional Delivery, Overall Feelings and Advocacy. It compiles data from over 120 different aspects of the ownership experience on a scale that ranges from 1 (I Hate It) to 7 (I Love It) with 4 (Satisfactory) at the middle of the scale.

This year, Subaru and BMW went home with five Most Loved Vehicle Awards, tying for the most awarded to a single brand. Check out the most loved cars in their respective categories below.

Best Model – Tesla Model S

With a score of 652, the Tesla Model S ran away from the competition as the most loved car in America. It probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise considering Tesla owners are quite vocal about how great their cars are.

Micro Car – Smart Fortwo Coupe

In the Micro Car category, the Smart Fortwo Coupe takes home the win with a score of 388. To be fair, it doesn’t have a lot of competition.

Small Car – Honda Civic Coupe

The new Honda Civic coupe is capturing plenty of love from the media as well as its owners. With a score of 461, it’s the most loved small car in the U.S.

Small Multi-Function Car – Scion iM

The Scion brand may no longer exist and the iM might have felt like a final attempt at reviving the brand, but its owners are in love with their car. Strategic Vision classifies the Scion iM as a small multi-function car with its five-door hatchback design. The iM scored 438.

Small Alternative Powertrain Car – Ford C-Max Energi

Taking home the win in the Small Alternative Powertrain Car category is the Ford C-Max Energi with a score of 485.

Mid-Size Car – Subaru WRX

For generations, Subaru WRX owners have loved their cars, helping create one of the most passionate communities in the automotive industry. It’s almost no surprise that the sports sedan is the most loved mid-size car with a score of 463.

Mid-Size Multi-Function Car – Subaru Outback

It’s not just the WRX winning hearts over, as the Subaru Outback also took home the Mid-Size Multi-Function Car category with a score of 386.

Mid-Size Alternative Powertrain Car – Chevrolet Volt

There’s not a whole lot of competitors in the segment just yet, but Mid-Size Alternative Powertrain Car owners love their Chevrolet Volt. The plug-in hybrid scored 428.

Full-Size Car – Dodge Charger

This might be surprising to some, but the most loved Full-Size Car in the U.S. is the Dodge Charger, scoring 489 in this year’s index.

Near-Luxury Car – BMW 3 Series

There’s a reason the BMW 3 Series is one of the most successful luxury sedans of all time. Categorized as a Near-Luxury Car, the BMW 3 Series is most loved in its category with a score of 510.

Near-Luxury Alternative Powertrain Car – Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The Near-Luxury Alternative Powertrain Car segment is likely one of the smallest and for now, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the one to beat thanks to a score of 511.

Luxury Car – Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan garners plenty of awards throughout the year and this is just another one to add to its trophy case. With a score of 574, the S-Class sedan is the most loved Luxury Car in America.

Luxury Multi-Function Car – Volvo XC70

In the Luxury Multi-Function Car category, the Volvo XC70 is most loved with a score of 415.

Specialty Coupe – Dodge Challenger

The most loved Specialty Coupe in America is the Dodge Challenger, which might come as a surprise to some. But with a score of 567, it deserves the award.

Premium Coupe – Chevrolet Corvette

One of the least surprising cars on the list is the Chevrolet Corvette, taking home top honors in the Premium Coupe category with a score of 582.

Standard Convertible – Ford Mustang Convertible

When it comes to Standard Convertibles, no car is more loved than the droptop Ford Mustang. The convertible sports car scored 517 in this year’s index.

Premium Convertible / Roadster – Audi A5 Cabriolet

Rounding off this year’s most loved car winners is the Audi A5 Cabriolet, scoring 516 and taking home the Premium Convertible/Roadster category.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-most-loved-cars-in-america-2016.html/feed2more]]>Mercedes-AMG Hypercar Aims to be Efficiency Kinghttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/mercedes-amg-hypercar-aims-to-be-efficiency-king.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/mercedes-amg-hypercar-aims-to-be-efficiency-king.html#respondWed, 23 Nov 2016 16:45:40 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=445838Mercedes-AMG Hypercar Aims to be Efficiency KingMercedes-AMG is building a hypercar using F1 technology. more]]>Mercedes-AMG is bringing its F1 technology to the streets in an upcoming hypercar, and when it arrives, the German automaker wants it to be the efficiency king.

“To put it in just one sentence: outstanding performance with more than impressive efficiency,” chief executive of AMG, Tobias Moers told Car and Driver, talking about the brand’s new hypercar. “It will meet emissions regulations worldwide, but we’re still confident that we’re going to have 40 percent [thermal efficiency],” he said.

That 40 percent figure isn’t a groundbreaking number, as hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq already have small engines that hit 40 percent. The difference is, the Mercedes-AMG car uses a 1.6-liter V6 with a redline above 10,000 rpm, mated to a hybrid system to put out somewhere close to 1,000 horsepower.

Mercedes plans to sell between 200 and 300 of these hypercars, which are expected to cost around $2 million. Deliveries should begin in 2019, but don’t go looking for one, as the brand chief already told Automotive News that almost the entire production run is already spoken for.

Moers pointed out that this car isn’t just inspired by Formula 1, it is essentially an F1 car for the street. “Every component we’re going to use out of Formula 1; that means an electric turbo, electric motors, the combustion engine, and even the battery—we’re going to use the same battery cell,” he said.

The biggest challenge with this strategy is going to be reliability, as F1 powertrains don’t need to meet real-world challenges like cold starts or running on lower octane fuel. The boost and the idle will need to be lowered to help with this, and Moers is confident that Mercedes-AMG can make it work. “It’s an issue; it’s a challenge; but it’s solvable, and we’re going to meet that,” he said.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/mercedes-amg-hypercar-aims-to-be-efficiency-king.html/feed0more]]>Don’t Expect to See a Mercedes Pickup in the US Anytime Soonhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/don-t-expect-to-see-the-mercedes-pickup-truck-in-the-us-anytime-soon.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/don-t-expect-to-see-the-mercedes-pickup-truck-in-the-us-anytime-soon.html#commentsTue, 22 Nov 2016 19:41:43 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=445769Don’t Expect to See a Mercedes Pickup in the US Anytime SoonThe first-generation Mercedes X-Class pickup truck won't be available in the U.S. more]]> [See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]

The first-generation Mercedes X-Class pickup truck won’t be available in the U.S.

Speaking at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exlar confirmed last week that the X-Class isn’t heading to the U.S. market next year. He did, however, say that it’s a possibility that the next-generation model could be offered. “Once the next version of the truck comes out – when we see the next iteration – there might be an opportunity to bring it in the medium and the long-term,” he said.

For now, the Mercedes X-Class is expected to go on sale in other global markets in Europe, Latin America, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia starting next year. The concept was unveiled last month and the German automaker is still evaluating whether the U.S. market will eventually make sense.

“It’s the biggest segment we’re not in,” Exler said. “It’s overall an attractive, huge segment, but we need to make sure it’s the right time for Mercedes.”

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/don-t-expect-to-see-the-mercedes-pickup-truck-in-the-us-anytime-soon.html/feed1more]]>The Mercedes-AMG G63 is About to Get Even More Outrageoushttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-mercedes-amg-g63-is-about-to-get-even-more-outrageous.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-mercedes-amg-g63-is-about-to-get-even-more-outrageous.html#commentsMon, 21 Nov 2016 19:31:26 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=445524The Mercedes-AMG G63 is About to Get Even More OutrageousThe next-generation Mercedes-AMG G63 has been caught on camera by spy photographers. Earlier this year, spy photographers managed to catch the standard G-Class testing and now we have our first look at the high-performance AMG variant. Similar to the standard G-Class, the next-generation Mercedes-AMG G63 will be wider and lighter, looking nearly four inches wider than... more]]> [See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG G63 has been caught on camera by spy photographers.

Earlier this year, spy photographers managed to catch the standard G-Class testing and now we have our first look at the high-performance AMG variant. Similar to the standard G-Class, the next-generation Mercedes-AMG G63 will be wider and lighter, looking nearly four inches wider than the current model. Although the German automaker won’t be changing the design much since the G-Class is so iconic, you can expect it to shed quite a bit of weight. Rumor has it that the new G-Class will weigh as much as 881 pounds less than the outgoing model.

Although that number may sound a bit optimistic, keep in mind that the current G-Class has been mostly unchanged for nearly four decades, except for the new AMG models and the 4×4 and 6×6 variants. Expect the interior to receive several upgrades, including new technology borrowed from the E-Class.

The rugged SUV will likely continue to be produced by Magna Steyr in Austria, where the current model is built.